Looking for an Amazing Loi Krathong Experience this Year? Head North!

Early next month, on the 6th of November, Thailand will be celebrating one of the highlights of the Thai Buddhist calendar – the enchanting festival of Loi Krathong, and whereas one can celebrate Loi Krathong pretty much anywhere in the kingdom, the best place to experience it to its fullest extent is Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the Lanna kingdom, where Loi Krathong coincides with the local tradition of Yi Peng.

As with many traditional festivals around the world, the origins of Loi Krathong are shrouded in mystery, however there are a number of popular sources that can be referred to. The most illustrious of these is no other than His Royal Majesty King Rama IV, who in a treatise written in the 2nd half of the 19th century, suggested Loi Krathong was a Brahmanical festival adapted by Thai Buddhists in honor of Buddha.

The traditional candle floats and sky lanterns (Kohm Loi) Thais release near bodies of water on the eve of the festival, symbolize Buddha’s light, and the act of letting go of one’s negative emotions (hatred, anger, etc.). According to other sources the festival originates from a celebration of water spirits, who on this day are appeased for all the abuse they suffer due to human’s usage and abuse of the various water resources.

Aside from celebrating with lanterns, Loi Krathong is also a time when Thais traditionally make merit (Tham Bun) through charitable acts and donations.

Yi Peng

Chiang Mai’s celebration of Yi Peng derives its name from its timing – The celebration of the 2nd (Yi) moon (Peng). The festival’s signature sights are the thousands of sky lanterns released into the heavens, fireworks, and intricate illuminated lanterns hung in homes, temples and businesses. Tradition holds that launching a Khom Loi sends ones bad luck and misfortune away (especially if the lantern disappears from view before the it goes out). Note – The releasing of Khom Loi is a religious festival, and out of respect to local traditions you should wear suitably modest clothing (shoulders and legs covered).

Experience the North Like Never Before

Looking for an Amazing Loi Krathong Experience this Year? Head North!

Looking for an Amazing Loi Krathong Experience this Year? Head North!

Aside from obvious attractions related to the holiday a trip up to Chiang Mai is a great opportunity to experience some of these amazing offers from our partners in the North:

Chiang Mai Bike Ride and Zipline adventure

A day of excitement that starts with a bike ride through the lush and green mountains and valleys of Mae Taeng, continues with a break for a lunch of local Thai dishes, and ends with an exhilarating zip-line experience over the treetops overlooking the river.

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Chiang Mai Bike Ride and Rafting adventure

This Rafting experience won't be just enjoy and sit back...

This Rafting experience won’t be just enjoy and sit back…

This explosive day combo of bike riding and river rafting starts with a ride on secret trails through the green landscape of Mae Taeng. The wet half of the day starts once we reach the Mae Taeng River and embark on an exhilarating downstream run through its grade 3 and 4 rapids.

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Chiang Mai Highlight

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and urban experience this memorable and informative half-day tour of the city’s most interesting temples, markets and ruins will give you an opportunity to see a side of the city most visitors miss-out on.

Suitable for families and children, this tour is an easy 20 km ride on flat tarmac roads with an air-conditioned vehicle following for close support.

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What Our Customers are Saying

Experience the North Like Never Before

Experience the North Like Never Before

We got together with Wouter Van Hof, one of our valued customers who recently went on the Chiang Mai adventure with us to hear from him his feedback and tips:

Pickabooclub: Hi Wouter, thanks very much for taking the time to help us out with your feedback! I was wondering how long you were planning your trip to Chiang Mai before you actually came up?

Wouter VH: I scheduled the trip with my friend Jeroen about 6 weeks in advance.

Pickabooclub: What was your most memorable moment during this experience?

Wouter VH: We were in Chiang Mai for 3.5 days total and the most memorable moment of the trip was the rafting experience which was organized through Pickaboo, in combination with a bike ride in the morning. The mountain biking was very well organized with excellent bikes, professional and pleasant staff, and a beautiful track. After a 2 hour bike ride, we arrived at the starting point for the rafting. My friend and I were joined on the raft by a nice Israeli couple and the guide. The rafting was much more challenging than we’d expected – there were rapids and falls – We had lots of fun!

The following day we did the mountain bike and zip lining adventure. After another beautiful bike ride in the surroundings of Chiang Mai, we arrived at the attraction. The facility is in very good shape, and we had a pleasant time flying through the woods. Ziplining is very entertaining and definitely a Chiang Mai must-do!

Pickabooclub: Who would you most recommend this attraction to?

Wouter VH: Anyone who enjoys outdoor activity and isn’t afraid of speed and water should definitely try these attractions!

Pickabooclub: What tips do you have for future visitors?

Wouter VH: Share your preferences with the guides in advance, so they can select a nice track which is suitable for your group.

Pickabooclub: What are your other “must see” attractions in and around Chiang Mai?

Wouter VH: Visitors to Chiang Mai must really take time to see the beautiful landscapes surrounding city. Of course a visit to the old city and the night market are staple, as well as the delicious food and entertaining nightlife!